RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

September 27th: Newmarket: With no rain overnight and a drying wind, the ground was changed to good to firm. If anything, it looked to be riding fast. Rosalie Bonheur put up a game display to win the nursery for fillies, finding plenty when tackled by a perfectly delivered Hawkin. The first two raced from lowly marks (73 and 72), meaning the worth of this form is questionable.

Having changed hands for a sizeable sum, Elm Park vindicated Quatar’s decision to purchase with a beefy performance in the Group 2 Royal Lodge. Up to the final quarter of the race he looked inconvenienced by the firm ground, but he found his stride up the hill to finish nicely on top. By Pheonix Reach he will stay well next year. Nafaqa did little wrong. Probably flattered by his victory over a lazy Toocoolforschool (woken up by cheek pieces in the Mill Reef) at Doncaster, he struggled to break clear of the pack but kept on once headed. He was another that did not look entirely at home on this rapidly quickening surface.

Lining up for one of the big autumn juvenile tests, Tiggy Wiggy faced a slightly different test in the Cheveley Park Stakes, a race in which speed alone was not guaranteed to be enough. Against fillies unlikely to be fazed by her superior early pace, she had them off the bridle at the two but they were lining up to challenge coming out of the dip. She saw them off with an injection of speed before the furlong that was enough to see her last on ground that, judging by her action, was as fast as she wants to encounter. Three pounds better off for their Lowther running, Queen Mary winner Anthem Alexander ran to her best and lost no caste in defeat. In third, High Celebrity looked ungainly on the track and had plenty of ground to recover in the last furlong. She looks more of a long term prospect but her trainer feels Newmarket is not her course, making a reappearance here in May unlikely. The lightly-raced duo that is Terror and Tendu both handled this massive hike in class and have little to find to propel themselves into Guineas reckoning next year. No doubt they will be back here for the Nell Gwyn in April. This was a hot renewal and the right horses filled the first five places. It appears we have seen the last of them until next year; that is with the exception of Tiggy Wiggy, who is likely to take her chance in the Abbaye next Sunday – for which she will have to be supplemented. It’s a big ask after a long season. First seen at Kempton at the end of March, and now winner of six of her eight starts, Longchamp may be a bridge too far and it may be all change next year. But as of now Tiggy Wiggy is little short of incredible!

Fast ground must have played its part in Bronze Angel’s success in the Cambridgeshire. Proven on such a surface, he was able to win this for the second time in his career having been successful in 2012. Velox ran particularly well on ground too lively for a son of Zamindar. He is developing into a serious racehorse and with conditions in his favour is not far short of pattern company. He dead heated with Niceofyoutotellme, another horse that is in bloom at present. Against all expectations, it seemed that Cornrow failed to stay this trip as he faded rapidly after moving through to challenge for the lead.

As a daughter of Raven’s Pass Taqneyya was at home on this fast ground and, with experience to help, responded when her jockey kicked her on three out to land the class 4 maiden. She might struggle to confirm this with the second and third if there is ever a rematch. Pamona did best of the newcomers to finish second, whereas in third, Jazzi Top hung on this fast ground, only stretching out on the climb. By Danehill Dancer and out of a Zafonic mare, she will do better with some give and looks a decent enough prospect.

Lady Correspondent showed plenty of resolve and some ability to collar Alfajer in the second division. It is hard to know what the winner achieved but she has a turn of foot and will stay further.

26th September: Newmarket: A return to a more favourable surface saw Etaab just last in the Listed Nayef Rosemary Stakes in a close finish with Belle D’Or. The pair sprinted close home to edge away from Provenance, who was on and off the bridle but knuckled down to it inside the last furlong and was slightly impeded by the winner.

It’s been a long season for some of the fillies in the listed over a mile and a half. On her sixth outing and apparently in top form, Queen Of Ice successfully carried her 3lbs penalty for winning the Galtres at York. She might have been a touch fortunate as, once she hit stride, Jordan Princess (who seems to have improved for this step up in trip) flew but had left herself with too much to do. Vanity Rules ran above herself in third, whilst Criteria, a filly who tends to stay without finding a turn of foot, could manage no better than fourth. This was her eighth race of the year.

Lucida showed a lot of character to claim the Rockfel. Narrowly beaten by Cursory Glance in the Moyglare less than a fortnight ago, she was crowded from the outset and off the bridle facing the dip. Gathered together, she had to engage overdrive in order to claw back ground and run down Salisbury maiden winner Fadhayyil. This was a race she ought to have won but she was presented with plenty of excuses in running, which she shrugged off. She may not be good enough to win a Guineas either side of the Irish Sea, but she will be in there boxing when some of her rivals might be feeling the pinch. The consistent New Providence was third.

Custom Cut reached the zenith of his career when taking the Group 2 in resolute fashion and notching up a five-timer. He is a credit to all concerned with him. On the other hand, smooth-travelling Captain Cat threw away his chance by hanging once he arrived on the scene. A tricky ride, a wide open place like this is not ideal for one of his persuasion. A winner at Lingfield, Meydan will suit him well and his connections could look forward to a lucrative mid-winter holiday with this son of Dylan Thomas that has more ability than we often see. Hors De Combat is holding his form at this level well and finished third. In fourth, Tullius is surely likely to come on for this, particularly when the ground eases. Outstrip continues to fizzle. He has not grown too much since last year and his best days look to be behind him.

St Leger fourth Windshear was unable to take advantage of a drop in grade in the Listed Godolphin Stakes – crucially possibly undone by the reduction in trip. Unfortunately, after such a bright start to the season, his portfolio is building up to be one of defeats rather than victories. The powerhouse that is Nabucco toughed out a tight and rough finish to withstand a late lunge by Derby fifth Red Galileo and Ayrad, who was greatly assisted by this trip and has run his best race.

The dogs were noisy before the Class 4 maiden, several runners apparently well fancied on debut. In the race, Consort proved the deserved centre of attention. Making pretty much all, from a stable renown for improving their debutants, he quickened impressively from the bushes to clear away. By Lope De Vega, who is having an excellent first season, he looks potentially smart enough but he has a long way to go to reach classic heights. On pedigree, he is not certain to stay beyond ten furlongs. Hathal chased the winner in second, ahead of Spanish Squeeze. Algaith travelled well but found little at the business end, Yamllik came with a run but backed out of things quickly, displaying a high head carriage.

On only his third start of the season, lightly-raced GM Hopkins emphasised what a well handicapped horse he is when easily winning the Silver Cambridgeshire from a mark of 96. Three-year-olds were first and second: Munaaser following the winner, ahead of Muharrer and another progressive sort in Mange All.

September 25th:
Newmarket Results

In sharp contrast to the way he raced on debut, Mohatem, who had caught the eye at Doncaster, bounced out of the stalls today and made just about all finding plenty when pressed. A perfect example of Distorted Humor to look at, he reversed form with Game Pie who badgered him all the way to the line. With an out and out American pedigree and a top of the ground action to match, Mohatem – a decent sort on this evidence – will need this surface to show his best. Lacking the scope of the winner, Game Pie has run up to his debut when fourth to Commemorative – both having endorsed that form. In third the New Approach colt Tawaasheeh should win a race or two. Subject of morning money but much too keen to post and then reluctant to load, he came back a whole lot better to finish a not-knocked-about third. Under the circumstances he has shown a fair degree of ability to finish so close. Providing he settles next time, a maiden is his for the taking. It would not surprise if he turned out to be the best of the bunch. In fourth, Secateur was unable to better his debut by much and does not look in this grade at present.

Black Granite made light of a mark of 74 to land the nursery. With the added bonus of the useful Cam Hardie’s 5lb allowance, the weight concession from a revitalised Prince Gagarin was obviously crucial.

After what was presumably an enforced break of four months, Windsor and Yarmouth winner Der Meister was unable to land a blow at Salisbury last month but was a different proposition in the class 3 handicap. Dominated by three-year-olds, he got up in the shadow of the post to catch long time leader Knife Point.

Delivered from the rear off a fast pace by Richard Hughes, Maftool had the stamina and the speed to dominate the finish of the M’s in the seven furlong Group 3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes. By Hard Spun, the winner stays well and was able to master Markaz inside the last furlong. He is a possible for the Racing Post. York Sales winner Mubtaghaa was third, the three clear of Azraff. Valley Of Fire ran like a non-stayer as he dropped away sharply to finish last of all.

Despite a good deal of paraphernalia beforehand (ponied to start and running black with sweat), Pallasator got the better of Flying Officer in the listed, the pair clear. Andrea Atzeni excelled in the saddle, making the running, then allowing Flying Officer to take a narrow advantage two out before coming back at him up the hill.

Consign beat a couple of unexposed three-year-olds in the Class 3 handicap over a mile. Back after a lengthy break since a Newbury handicap in April, Exchequer went down narrowly and should be hard to beat next time. Lawyer, who is not straightforward, was a close third ahead of Dubai Dynamo. Reluctant to load and carrying his head to one side in running, Master Of The World looked uncooperative.

Secret Hint returned to form to lift the Class 2 handicap for fillies from 4lbs out of the handicap. This means her mark will presumably have to be raised to 90 at least. The interesting participant was surely Aetna. Returning to action after 134 days, in the light of subsequent form from her win at York in May, she remains well-treated from her present mark of 98. A strong finisher on ground too lively (all her best form is on soft, her pedigree is a soft ground one and to cap it all her trainer asserts she is a much better filly when getting her toe in), when the ground turns – as it surely must in the near future – this run will put her in good stead for a crack at a bigger pot. She can win a decent race before the season’s close.

September 20th: Newbury: Experience told in the seven furlong maiden – those that had run filling the first three places. Yeenaan (by Rip Van Winkle) handled ground changed to soft from yesterday and saw it out well. In second Stoked kept on, but, by Fast Company, will surely be capable of better on a quicker surface. Harbour Patrol was third with newcomer Compton Mill finishing best of the rest in fourth.

Hillstar had his day in the Dubai Group 3 Arc Trial, quickening from a slow pace to hold Tasaday in the sprint to the line.

With the defection of Limato and Mubtaghaa, this renewal of the Group 2 Mill Reef lost some of its lustre. Most of these are probably short of this standard but Toocoolforschool, who had finished second to two good sorts in Dutch Connection and Nafaqa in his last two outings, made all in first-time cheek pieces, eventually scooting clear. The way he won –with ears pricked – suggests he may have been dossing previously. No Group 1 contender, he is a decent benchmark even so. After a poor showing in the Acomb (on the back of winning a maiden for newcomers that has failed to work out), Growl presumably ran to his ability in second ahead of Kibaar and a disappointing Strath Burn. Having finished second in the Robert Papin, the good-looking Strath Burn started slowly and was always playing catch-up.

Not seen since finishing second to the useful Farraaj at Epsom on Derby Day, Air Pilot returned to action, making a mockery of a competitive class 2 handicap from a mark of 87. Doubtless this easy ground was in the favour of this son of Zamindar, but he won this like a 100-rated horse at least. First Flight engaged in vain pursuit in second.

Aided by withdrawals, after beating Reckless Abandon at Doncaster ten days ago, Mecca’s Angel took her career to new heights in the Group 3. Justice Day was second, ahead of Ajjaadd.

Some nice juveniles took part in division two of the maiden. Mccreery wound up a good day for the Roger Charlton stable, beating the twice-raced Maraakib. Favourite Puissant failed to hit the gates and was always labouring, although he is surely capable of better. From what can be a problematical family, Purple Rock showed promise in fourth. In remains to be seen whether he builds on this. Sonnolento was one of the less obvious finishers that looks likely to improve.

Ayr: Securing the nearside rail, in a replay of yesterday, Dark Reckoning took the Group 3 for fillies at a big price under a canny Graham Lee ride. With jockeys angling for the coveted strip of ground, once again it was a rough old race, making it an unsatisfactory affair. Parsley was second – the unfortunate and unlucky Ainippe a fast finishing third having been murdered when attempting a run over a furlong out. Fifth to Beacon in the Flying Childers, she saw out this sixth furlong well and, like Squats yesterday, was probably the best horse in the race.

The draw once again played a major part in the Silver Cup – the two with the best of it: Huntsmans Close and Bogart, finishing first and third. As usual Bogart flashed out of the stalls and kept on under pressure but Huntsmans Close, who ran well last week at Doncaster, was always travelling strongly. Those on the far side might just as well have stayed at home.

For a former French Derby third, even allowing for Godolphin’s patchy record with horses bought from high profile yards, Sky Hunter’s win in the Listed Doonside Cup was overdue. Hooded and looking somewhat recalcitrant, he proved too good for Sennockian Star – the likes of which at one time he would only have encountered on the gallops.

Buckingham Palace Stakes winner and last year’s runner-up Louis The Pious grabbed the Gold Cup. Once again it was a case of getting the strip of ground up the stands’ rail. This is all well and good for those professional watchers of racing that spot these things as regularly as others see the change in weather; but surely Ayr racecourse has questions to answer. This situation is unacceptable for the wider picture that is the sport of horse racing, which relies on the goodwill of those with other matters on their minds. Occasional and uninformed punters (whose interest the authorities are going to great lengths to court) should not have to suffer the ignominy of backing horses that have no chance before they start. In a race predictably dominated by high numbers, credit has to go to Minalisa who did best of those on the far side, finishing second overall. This on the back of a listed win at Naas in July – giving her the profile of a much improved filly. Ruwaiyan was another noted to finish strongly on the disadvantaged side of the track.

Newmarket: Toujours L’Amour provided a major shock in the opener, depriving Moonlight Sonata in the very last stride. Keen to be kind on the runner-up, Shane Kelly probably inadvertently threw this away after going half a length up half a furlong out. The winner (stable second string) was yet another juvenile winner for William Haggas. Beaten by the useful Time Test on debut, Sweet Dream should have fared better but failed to act on the undulations of the track and has to be accorded another chance.

The second division of the race won last year by Taghrooda went to the attractive Lady Of Dubai. She had taken the eye on her two efforts previously and appears to be improving. Quite what she beat here is unknown. There was word on course for Sperry, a tall and green filly that moved well on and off but has plenty to learn.

Fourth last week to Agnes Stewart in the May Hill, Supreme Occasion was a laboured third to Lacing in the valuable auction stakes. Clearly this six was inadequate for Supreme Occasion as she was plugging on late, but her run hardly endorses the classic claims of Agnes Stewart.

Only finding Bond’s Girl too good in the sales race at Doncaster last week, Heartbreak Hero was unable to gain compensation in the sales race for colts here. He lost his action in the dip and would not be the first horse that failed to handle the undulations here. Secret Brief – second to White Lake in the Convivial – capitalised on the favourite’s misfortune to hold Bossy Guest and a fast-finishing Prince Of Time.

Billed as a Cesarewitch trial, if the Class 2 handicap over the full trip threw up a possible contender it was surely useful hurdler Big Easy, who only gave best to See And Be Seen.

September 19th: Ayr: Refusing to settle last time at Haydock after looking unlucky at York, Roossey was more tractable in the Class 2 nursery and, aided by a strip of favoured ground on the stands’ rail, made handsome amends. Currently leniently treated from 84, that will of course be addressed before we see him again.

The ludicrous situation of an unknown draw bias springing up without warning at a track that should otherwise provide a fair test, reared its ugly head in the Class 2 Bronze Cup. With a marked advantage on the near side, particularly close to the rail, Expose did just that from his draw of 27. The principals were all drawn high and were well clear of those on the far side, meaning this form has to be considered dubious.

Over the five, only 50/1 shot Red Baron – showing blistering early speed – from his low draw in part reversed a disturbing trend. In finishing third to high-numbered Noble Asset and Ladweb he has apparently run well. Maybe he needs an uncontested lead. A winner at this meeting last year and unfavourably drawn, Boris Grigoriev ran better than it seems and may be ready for six furlongs now. His tricky yard should find a suitable opening.

With the draw uppermost in the mind of the jockeys it was a rough ride for many in the Listed Harry Rosebery Stakes. Prominent throughout Accipiter got the run of the race and lasted from several that were surely unlucky. Mind Of Madness flashed home late for second after having to weave his way through. From the four draw, Squats forfeited valuable ground in pursuit of a golden run in third and should be considered the best horse in the race. He travelled well when on an even keel and deserves another chance at this level. Secret Liaison and, to a greater extent, Fendale, can be marked up in a muddled event.

Newbury: On rain-softened ground, Desert Force proved too strong for Foreign Diplomat in the opening maiden. Coming back to six from seven, although by Oasis Dream, the runner-up was coming back at the winner again in the last hundred yards and this trip may have been too sharp. His day will surely come. The Godolphin filly Beautiful Ending fluffed the start but showed a degree of promise. She ran on to finish fifth in a race that, first two excepted, looked no better than average.

Narrowly beaten in last year’s Cambridgeshire and beaten only half a length by the useful Vencingetorix in Meydan this winter, Code Of Honour won the Class 3 Conditions like a horse that may have more to offer. With proven autumn form and a fresh horse late on in the season, he could be a high profile winner somewhere for Godolphin. God Willing was outstayed by his older rival but this represented a return to the sort of form he promised as a juvenile. If the market is any guide, this improved run came as no surprise.

The prestigious Haynes, Hanson & Clark – a Class 2 with an excellent history – went to Sandown winner Snoano. By Nayef, he showed a likeable attitude to contain a late thrust by Acaster Malbis, who took a narrow advantage close home. The winner is a stayer rather than a quickener, but has a decent cruising speed. The pair was clear of the promising Sir Percy newcomer Perceus, who was representing the Tregoning stable –one with a record of introducing good juveniles in this. He should win his maiden. Bigeon was a big letdown. He is well thought of and the ground may have thwarted his chances.

Marsh Hawk grabbed the Class 2 over seven, quickening nicely on the ground to beat Goodwood winner Timba. By Invincible Spirit, the winner has a turn of foot and handles easy ground. Crystal Zvezda, a well bred daughter of Dubawi, made a satisfactory debut and looks a ready-made maiden winner before long.

Always travelling, Lady Lara, a winner on this day last year and with a pedigree that shouts the need for easy ground, was convincing in the listed over seven. Jallota closed her down without looking likely to pose a problem. Safety Check ran no sort of race; Absolutely So checked out quickly.

September 14th: Curragh: In a day of trials, Cursory Glance scraped home in the Group 1 Moyglare at the Curragh, having looked all set to win emphatically when sent on a furlong out. This was a strong event and it could be she idles when she hits the front. With Lucida, impressive maiden winner Found and Malabar close up, there was nothing wrong with this form – which obviously pays a compliment (as if any were needed) to Lowther winner Tiggy Wiggy.

Gleaneagles had to be shaken up to win the Group 1 National Stakes, but in Toscanini and Acomb winner Dutch Connection he faced exacting opposition. Steadily ascending the ranks (he adds this to a Group 3 and a Group 2), he is likely to win another high profile juvenile event before the season ends. With his experience, he could end up at the Breeders’ Cup.

For once the meticulous plans of Ballydoyle backfired in the Irish St Leger when an astute Richard Kingscote on Brown Panther sat right on the heels of pacemaker Eye Of The Storm before kicking clear early in the straight. Although there to do a job for Leading Light, Eye Of The Storm helped proven stayer Brown Panther steal a march on a top class field. Leading Light finished from out of the pack to head Encke for second with Willing Foe and Pale Mimosa, for whom the ground was probably too firm against such high class opponents, next to finish. This was arguably Brown Panther’s finest hour.

At Longchamp it was all about the Arc. Ectot took the Prix Niel in a fast time, holding on narrowly from Teletext and a fast finishing Adelaide. All three will need to improve a little to figure in the first Sunday in October.

Once again looking below par – both in demeanour and in the race – Treve was only fourth in the Prix Vermeille to shock winner Baltic Baroness and vastly improved Pomology. A repeat win in the Arc is looking very unlikely.

Ruler Of The World made all to thwart the somewhat disappointing Flintshire and Spirit Jim in the Prix Foy. This was his first run since Dubai in March and presumably he will come on for it.

In a tight finish Charm Spirit wriggled up the rail to deprive Toronado in the Prix Du Moulin with Night Of Thunder finishing very strongly in third.

September 13th: Doncaster: Carrying a 3lbs penalty in the Group 2 Champagne, Estidhkaar was impressive. From a slow pace he took time to warm up. A big chunky individual with plenty of scope, he was comprehensively on top at the end and looks a good prospect for next year. War Envoy finished strongly in second. As is often the way with horses from Ballydoyle that are highly tried in their first season, his form is only bordering on top class. It seems reasonable to assume he is not considered to be in the top six at home. Aces made the running and stuck to his task in third; whereas Belardo became another juvenile to run across the track when under pressure. He delivered what looked like a powerful challenge a furlong out but was already apparently feeling the pinch when sacrificing a minor place.

Muthmir turned the ever-competitive Portland Handicap into something of a non-event. The suspicion was he could be a group horses in handicap. This run confirmed it as, despite a slow start when he was almost down on his head and trouble in running, he recovered to win tidily, smashing the course record in the process. A conservative estimate puts his current mark of 100 as being shy by about 18lbs. After hinting he was about to return to form when finishing sixth in a warm handicap at York last time, Bogart kept on doggedly and would have won nine out of ten renewals of this.

Faced with two ‘soft’ opponents who win when the moon is in the right quarter Ansgar made all in the Group 2 over seven, pulling out more inside the last furlong when first Gregorian, then Aljamaaher, tried to peg him back. Now six, the winner was in no mood to concede the lead to his two slightly more complicated rivals.

Kingston Hill laid the ghost of a winnerless season to rest with his Group 1 success in the St Leger. This win, from Romsdall, emphasises Derby form and vindicates the bold decision by connections to run here over this trip. By Mastercraftsman, versatile Kingston Hill had no problem. Ably assisted by a patient Andrea Atzeni, the horse was delivered a furlong out and his superior turn of foot proved crucial. With Snow Sky and Windshear in third and fourth, not dominated by the last man standing, this was a St Leger that made perfect sense.

In the class 2 handicap, from a mark of 96, and on only his fourth race of the season, Mount Logan was another winner for the Luca Cumani stable – a yard that has enjoyed the fruits of autumn. The manner of victory suggests he is likely to progress. Last year’s winner, Forgotten Hero was second – but firmly held. The solid benchmark that is Bold Sniper was third.

By all accounts the win of Dance Of Fire in the nursery was not unexpected. He won a shade cosily from Marshall Jennings and Rotherwick in what looked a decent event.

Championship – so unlucky at Goodwood – stepped up on that and his next run to take the concluding handicap on the card from Bronze Angel and Velox – who might be ready for a step up in trip.

Despite looking green, John F Kennedy won the Group 3 at Leopardstown. He will need to be more focused if tackling better and more experienced company.

Free Eagle – the horse that as a juvenile was tagged as the best Dermot Weld had trained – came back from a series of setbacks to emphatically win the Group 3 from decent opponents on only his third start. Clearly he is talented and he could just be an autumn wild card.

The win of The Grey Gatsby in the Irish Champion over Australia – so imperious over him at York – is a little hard to fathom, but after Epsom, the Curragh and York, maybe the edge was missing from the lightly-framed Australia. Obviously, after winning the French Derby, we know The Grey Gatsby is top class.

Doncaster: 12th September: Heartbreak for everyone connected with Cotai Glory, whose blistering early speed meant he had the Group 2 Flying Childers in the proverbial bag when wandering about inside the last furlong. In a split second of madness, in a combination of a slipping saddle and of a jockey becoming unbalanced (might have been better putting his stick down on a horse that was clear); horse and rider parted company fifty yards short of the winning post. Last at one point, Beacon passed the whole field to pick up the pieces. Unlucky at Goodwood, he was suited by this cutthroat pace and is probably ready for six. In all, with 50/1 shot Astrophysics second and Accepted an honourable and understandable third ahead of Fast Act and an always scrubbed along Ainippe, this was an odd contest.

A step up in trip seems to have brought out the best in Stomachion who to this point has run well in today’s sort of company without getting his head in front. He was convincing in the Class 2 Mallard Handicap from Retirement Plan and Suegioo. Sir Walter Scott still does not appear to stay this far.

Back to a serious test of stamina, Estimate took the Group 2 Doncaster Cup. They came at her like it was High Noon down the straight, but she kept fending them off, eventually winning with her ears pricked. Talk of the Melbourne Cup might be good for the pundits, but is unlikely to suit Estimate, whose style of racing will surely be inconvenienced by the way they go at it Down Under. Whiplash Willie was an honourable second on ground that was borderline for him. He might just win a decent event when it turns soft.

Runner-up in a Group 3 at Leopardstown, the Lawman filly, Agnes Stewart who has plenty of stamina in her pedigree (arguably throwing 1000 Guineas quotes into question) loped along for much of the way in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes before winning readily from Sweet Solera winner Muraaqaba. Shagah and Supreme Occasion in third and fourth put this form in perspective but the winner is likeable and should improve.

There was not much to take from the class 2 sprint over an extended six furlongs. Danzeno had it won at the distance, but the extra hundred yards changed the race’s complexion, allowing one-time classic aspirant Badr Al Badoor to inch ahead.

For those prepared to see them, the signs were that in winning the Convivial, White Lake may not have achieved in practice what on paper had seemed likely. With nothing solid having emerged from the race and most of the fancied runners having underperformed at York, he had something to prove. Always niggled in the listed Flying Scotsman Stakes, he stayed on and was not disgraced, but did not look a horse with classic pretensions. Nafaqa, so unfortunate in the Chesham and a winner of his maiden since, may have a quirk or two but is obviously useful. Always travelling well, he picked up Gimcrack runner-up Toocoolforschool inside the last furlong despite hanging across the track. Peacock made headway to take third ahead of the one-paced (at least in this company) White Lake.

September 11th: Doncaster: A decent juvenile that has been on the shelf this year, in first time cheek pieces Kiyoshi roared back to something like it with a strong late run that lifted a very competitive Group 3 Sceptre Stakes. Faced with much deeper company than she has so far experienced, a heavily-backed Bragging got going too late to snatch second. She looked very well beforehand and in running and was certainly not disgraced. She remains on the upgrade and on this evidence a mile may be her optimum against rivals such as this.

Even connections were surprised by the manner of Silk Sari’s victory in the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes. Not every filly in opposition produced her best but Silk Sari was in the peak of condition. As a horse that has been brought along steadily by her excellent handler she was able to deliver her very best. So well was she travelling, she could be called the winner from some way out. Groovejet battled on in almost a secondary contest for the runner-up spot, ahead of Criteria and Seal Of Approval.

Lurking at the foot of the weights Bond’s Girl – fourth to Tiggy Wiggy in the Newbury Super Sprint – won a massive payday for her stable in the Doncaster equivalent. The defection of Valley Of Fire meant this was lacking in substance for the money on offer. His stable mate, Heartbreak Hero was best of the rest, surely underlining that, but for a respiratory problem, if he had lined up, Valley Of Fire must have gone close and remains of interest. Although looking well-treated by the conditions of the event, Fox Trotter became warm beforehand and was never seen with a chance. A decent run in a conditions race is not always the ideal prep for a cut-and-thrust contest such as this.

The progressive The Corsican continued his current ascendancy with a convincing win in the Class 2 handicap – a race littered with unexposed types. In second and third, Mange All and Arab Dawn made it a clean sweep for the three-year-olds. Not much went right for favourite Long Cross. He lost a shoe at the start and was swung wide at the entrance to the straight. He deserves another chance.

After the success of Silk Sari earlier, Blue Waltz emerged as another progressive filly for the Cumani stable, breezing away with the handicap from a mark of 83. The opposition may not have been particularly strong, but she was a lot better.

Commemorative, a promising if not dazzling fourth on debut to Time Test at Sandown, was always handy in the Class 3 maiden to hold a late challenge from the well fancied Galileo newcomer Decorated Knight. Mohatem ran an eye-catching race, picking up ground late under hands and heels. By Distorted Humour he will need this sort of ground to show his best. Erik The Red ran no more than okay. This means potential supporters of White Lake tomorrow may need to have a rethink, as the Convivial has yet to throw up any significant winners or horses to acquit themselves in better company.

September 6th: Ascot: Cornrow travelled like a decent horse when to the fore for most of the way in the class 2 handicap over seven. Momentarily outpaced a furlong out, he ran on again close home to almost regain the lead. Obviously the extra trip of the Cambridgeshire – a race he remains on course for – will suit. He looks classy and this was good form: Safety Check and last year’s winner, Redvers the two to finish in front of him.

Excuses forwarded for Growl at York have to be tempered after the horse that chased him home on debut, Auspicion, fared little better on his follow-up effort in the class 4 maiden over seven. To be on the safe side, this extra furlong may have been his undoing to a degree. Even so the signs are that the maiden won by Growl was no great shakes. Mutasayyid stuck on in the face of a late lunge from Akeed Champion, for whom this was a promising enough debut.

Good Place took a step forward when winning the Class 2 Conditions Hyperion Stakes – for some reason now restricted to fillies – taking it up a furlong out having looked to be in trouble. Pacesetter and stoutly-bred Montalcino kept battling once headed but found the winner too good. Both need to improve again if stepped up in grade.

Lightly-raced Battersea won his second race (his previous success was also at this course) producing a smooth winning run in the class 2 handicap, and beating a strong field. He looks as if he will stay further and as if he has more to offer.

Squats would have been desperately unlucky had he not got up in the nursery, passing the whole field having been switched for a run. He has plenty of speed and caught Profitable on the line under another miracle ride from Ryan Moore. Rated 88, he can’t be put up much for this so could well follow up. He might progress to something like the Cornwallis here.

Haydock: Unhindered by a proper gallop this time, Captain Cat was always moving smoothly in the Group 3 and was soon in command when asked to pick up his struggling rivals. He is the sort to do well in Dubai next winter.

Nautilus is finding his form late in the season, taking an odd but competitive class 2 handicap. The race started badly when favourite Havana Cooler unseated on exiting the stalls. The pacesetters went too hard and in the last quarter it was left to closers to pick them off. Consequently it is possible that the winner is flattered to a degree and that Communicator – now back over a suitable trip – has not run quite as good a race as it appears to have snatched third from a long way back. Even so this was a step in the right direction for him. Glenard did well to hold his position throughout and looks to be on song at present. Quest For More looked well but soon lost his prominent position. A fast-finishing second over two miles last time, perhaps we should draw a line through this.

Even though this is not his best trip in such company, it failed to work out for Sole Power today in the Betfred Sprint. With Moses otherwise engaged, Richard Hughes was surely pushing his luck a tad too far on this occasion. Back to six furlongs (all his runs this year have been over the minimum), it was G Force who finally achieved the success he always promised to deliver. Gordon Lord Byron once again covered himself in glory in second. Music Master ran as well as he ever has, coping with this elevated company. Connections will have to rethink their strategy with Cougar Mountain, who, after three attempts at sprinting at Group 1 level, deserves a break from the impossible. He wants seven furlongs at least.

Beaten fourteen lengths in the Gimcrack last time, Terentum Star picked up the pieces in the nursery from a mark of 85. Roossey threw away his chance by pulling too hard. He didn’t do that last time and is worth another chance.

Celestial Path, back on track after winning his solitary race at York in July, could be useful if judged on a sweeping victory in the listed event. With a giant stature and stride to match, he took time to lengthen, but when he did was impressive. He would not be out of place in something like the Royal Lodge so long as his temperament holds up. With Hawk Wing on the distaff side, there is a suspicion he harbours a quirk or two.

Kempton: Brave Zolo made all to beat his three opponents in the class 4 stakes. Debutant Strong Chemistry was the last to commit, having moved nicely throughout. He should have no trouble in winning his maiden. Russian Reward was held in third; favourite Power Game has learned nothing from his promising debut and was a disappointing favourite having pulled early.

With his penalty Prince Bishop looked to face a stiff task in the September Stakes. Even so, in a replica of last year, he took control inside the last furlong to withstand Secret Number. Cat O’Mountain (who is better attacking from the rear and was handy throughout) faded down the straight and probably failed to stay. By Street Cry, he is not bred to get this far. All his best form is on this sort of surface.

After a rough passage last time at York behind Felix Leiter, Burnt Sugar regained the winning thread in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes, destroying a mark of 85 in the process. Maftool looks ready for a step up in trip; Middle Park entrant Home Of The Brave received a bump early, which seemed to unsettle him.